Iran confirmed their place in the final of the AFF tournament 2012 when they picked up the full six points out of two matches, following their close 2-1 win over Uzbekistan in an Ho Che Min City match.

Iran’s team coach Akbar Mohammadi Argi said after the game that both teams were struggling with the unpredictable weather conditions throughout the 90 minutes.

“It was hot at the start then it became cold right at the end, a condition which both teams have to adjust to,” said Akbar. “Today, we put what we have learned into practice and it is just another win for us.

“But today, the players also must realized that they have to finish all the chances they have created where in the second half we had at least three good opportunities. That failure to score resulted in us being put under pressure.”

With both teams fresh from their respective victories two days earlier, the game was always going to be close as afterall the last time, the two teams met in friendlies in Tashkent, it ended in an even one win and one defeat for either team.

But today, Iran seemed to be more determined where in spite of being ran ragged by Vietnam in their first match, they have the legs to take control of the midfield with Mohammad Hossein pulling the strings.

Both Roozbeh Chesmi and Sardar Azmoun had their chances but missed the target while for Uzbekistan’s best effort in the first half came off Abdumuminov Jahongir in the 18^th minute but was denied by the excellent save from Hojjat Sedhi.

In the 29^th minute, there was no denying Iran the lead when Azmoun made good on the cross from Roozbeh. The score at the end of the first half was 1-0 to Iran.

The second half saw a more battling performance from Uzbekistan as they look for the equalizer. In the 58^th minute, a header from Yuldashov Boburbek off a freekick was cleared on the line by Mohammad Hossein.

Iran replied with Azmoun rocking the crossbar just after the hourmark before Roozbeh doubled their lead with a well taken header off a cross from Hossein Fazeli.

Uzbekistan then grabbed their only goal in the game in the 71^st minute when Sergeev Igor slammed home from close range.

Iran will play its final match against Australia on Thursday 6th September 2012. Australia won its first match when they defeated host Vietnam 4-0 later in the day.

Iran is leading the 4 team tournament with 6 points.